Capillaria Plica Infection in Dogs

The prevalence, pathologic effects, and treatment of Capillaria plica infection were investigated in two breeding kennels. The prevalence of C plica infection in mature dogs in two kennels (127 dogs) was 76% and 59%. Pups less than 8 months old did not pass C plica eggs in the urine. Age, breed, or sex predilection was not observed in mature dogs. In infected dogs, hematuria, dysuria, and pollakiuria developed without secondary bacterial cystitis. A direct life cycle could not be demonstrated experimentally. Histologically, adult C plica were seen in the submucosa of the bladder and ureter, where they induced a mild inflammatory reaction and submucosal edema.